Issued by: The Ministry for Agriculture and Land Affairs
STATEMENT BY MR DEREK HANEKOM, MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE AND LAND AFFAIRS: OUTBREAK OF CRIMEAN-CONGO HAEMORRHAGIC FEVER (OUDTSHOORN)
Slaughtering activities at both abattoirs in Oudtshoorn were suspended following the notification of suspected cases of the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever. This was considered necessary due to the possible link between the handling of ostriches for slaughter and cases of the disease in workers at abattoirs of the Klein Karoo Co-operative in Oudtshoorn. The matter is currently under investigation by the Directorate of Veterinary Public Health, in close collaboration with officials of the Klein Karoo Co-operative,, the National Institute for Virology, the Department of Health and provincial authorities of the Western Cape.
A meeting will be held on 6 November 1996 in Oudtshoorn to discuss measures to protect abattoir workers. Researchers are of the opinion that the most probable source of infection is contact with infected ticks of the Hyalomma species during the process of defeathering before slaughter. However, it is not yet a certainty act with fresh blood and excreta from slaughtered ostriches can be ruled out as a source of infect trials conducted in cattle havey confirmed that the disease can not be transmitted to humans through the handling or ingestion of beef matured for 24 hours. There is reason to believe that the scientific evidence gained from the studies will also be applicable to ostrich meat, which will mean that matured ostrich meat woulit for human consumption. Furthected.
Control measures that d include the treatment of ostrifor tick infection before slaughtthe protection of abattoir personnel against contact with ticks ady taken steps for the emergency registration of an acaricide (that has been proved to effectively control ticks of the Hyalomma species in cattle) for use in ostriches. Any further queries can be directed to Dr GK Bruckner at the Department of Agriculture at (012) 319-7679 (Tel) or (012) 329-7218 (Fax).
ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY FOR AGRICULTURE AND LAND AFFAIRS 5 NOVEMBER 1996